AWS Snowball Edge Features

Snowball Edge key features

AWS Snowball Edge is a data transfer device with on-board Amazon S3-compatible storage and compute to support running AWS Lambda functions and Amazon EC2 instances. In addition to transferring data to AWS, Snowball Edge comes in two options: The Storage Optimized option and the Compute Optimized option to support local data processing and collection in disconnected environments such as ships, wind mills, and remote factories. The Storage Optimized option provides up to 100 TB of storage, 24 vCPUs, and 1 TB SSD for pre-processing and large scale data transfer. The Compute Optimized option provides up to 52 vCPUs, an optional GPU, 7.68 TB NVMe SSD, and 42 TB of storage for running advanced machine learning workloads in environments with limited connectivity.

Mining, energy, military, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing customers have data collection and migration requirements in remote and distributed locations where computing resources are limited, network connections are unreliable, computing environments are harsh, and IT support is not available. AWS Snowball Edge works with or without the Internet, does not need a dedicated IT operator, and is designed to be used in remote environments. AWS Snowball Edge helps customers scrub and process data using their own applications locally before physically shipping that data back to AWS, making it easier to collect, process, and migrate data for use cases such as factory floors or point-of-sale billing applications.

Fast data transfer

Snowball Edge Storage Optimized includes a 10GBase-T network connection, 10/25Gb SFP28 and 40Gb QSFP+ copper and optical networking for fast data transfer to the device. All encryption is performed on the device itself, helping enable a higher data throughput rate and shorter data transfer times.

Local computing tasks in remote locations

Many customers who collect data in remote or disconnected sites ship that data back to AWS for processing. However, some applications, such as IoT sensor analytics, are sensitive to this latency and perform better when run locally while in some other cases they need to run operations in a disconnected environment, such as on a ship, a mine, or a wind farm. These scenarios require local compute and storage capabilities to process, collect, and transfer data from remote sites with limited or no IT support. AWS Snowball Edge address these local computing needs by providing two device options, Storage Optimized and Compute Optimized, along with a subset of AWS services. It enables customers to develop and test applications in the AWS Cloud and deploy them on the Snowball Edge devices in remote locations.

GPU support

AWS Snowball Edge Compute Optimized provides an optional GPU along with EC2 instances to accelerate an application’s performance in disconnected environments. Using the GPU option, customers can run applications such as advanced machine learning and full motion video analysis in environments with little or no connectivity.

Clustering

You can cluster multiple Snowball Edge devices to create a local storage tier with increased durability for your on-premises applications. When you order a Snowball Edge, the management console gives you the option to add it to an existing cluster or to create a new cluster when it joins your network. As storage requirements scale up and down, devices can be easily added or removed from your cluster(s) and returned to AWS.

S3-Compatible endpoint

Applications can work with Snowball Edge as an S3-compatible endpoint accessed through the S3 SDK or CLI. For specific information, see the API documentation.

NFS endpoint

Applications can work with Snowball Edge as an NFS mount point. NFS v3 and v4.1 are supported so you can easily use Snowball Edge with your existing on-premises servers and file-based applications.

Encryption

All data transferred to Snowball Edge is automatically encrypted with 256-bit encryption keys that are managed by the AWS Key Management Service (KMS). The encryption keys are never stored on the device to help ensure your data stays secure during transit.

Rugged and portable

Snowball Edge includes a ruggedized case designed to be both durable and portable. The Snowball Edge device weighs less than 50 pounds and can be moved by a single person.

Tamper evident

The Snowball Edge device is equipped with tamper-evident seals and includes a built-in Trusted Platform Module (TPM) that uses a dedicated processor designed to detect any unauthorized modifications to the hardware, firmware, or software. AWS inspects every device for any signs of tampering and to verify that no changes were detected by the TPM.

End-to-end tracking

Snowball Edge uses an innovative, E Ink shipping label designed to ensure the device is automatically sent to the correct AWS facility and also aids in tracking. Once you have completed your data transfer job, it can be tracked via Amazon SNS, text messages, and the Console.

Secure erasure

Once the data transfer job has been processed and verified, AWS performs a software erasure of the Snowball Edge device that follows the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines for media sanitization.

Specifications

Check this Snowball Edge documentation page for the complete list of hardware specs, including interfaces, thermal and power requirements, decibel output, and dimensions.